WANGANUI.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 884, 14 February 1907, Page 9

WANGANUI.

WANGANUI, Feb. 13. The near approach of the Egmont Meeting, and also the Wanganui J.C. Cup gathering has led to some fairly interesting work being done on the local tracks, although there are not a great number of horses in work on the club’s course. A very different state of things exist here now as compared with a few years ago, when there were several trainers here who each had big strings (and good ones, too) under their charge. Nowadays at ordinary times the tracks are almost deserted. Of course it must be remembered in this connection that at Fordell (only a few miles from town) Fred Tilley has a very big string which work on his own track, and recently Mr. G. F. Moore has had a track laid down on his own property at Layforth for his horses. If all these horses worked on the club’s track the latter would be very busy. The Warrengate Jockey Club, whose annual hack meeting takes place on March 21, have erected a new grandstand, and have the course in good order. The club numbers amongst its members some of the best sports Wanganui now possesses, and they are determined to make the

club a success, and their efforts are not likely to be in vain. General Peel having developed a leg, he has been turned out for a spell. It is hoped that he will be able to race again during the winter, when a good hurdler such as he is should pick up a race or two. The other morning Waione did a very good gallop on the local track. In company with Fishermaid and the Musketry mare trained by Harry Alexander the son of Waiuku was given a spin over five furlongs. Waione was very slow to begin, being some four or five lengths behind when he got fairly going. Mr. Bennett’s colt then put in a fine run, and overhauling the others was eased up before reaching the post, where he was well in front. It was a very satisfactory performance, and Mr. Bennett ought to see his colours in the van before long. The Karioi Jockey Club’s annual hack meeting attracted a few Wanganui racing men. The races were decided on Wednesday last in the presence of a goodly number of spectators. Bookies were there in plenty, some £47 10/ being netted in fees. A surplus of something like £lOO is anticipated over the meeting. Proceedings opened with the Handicap Hurdles, for which only two started. Hokio was made a 2 to 1 on favourite, and had no difficulty in landing the stake from Firelight. The Ladies’ Bracelet was contested by a field of nine, of whom Malosi was backed down to 6 to 4 on, and won by six lengths from Makino. The Cup was the “good thing,” the betting indicated for Mahoe, who had no difficulty in beating Snip and Ruaputere, his only opponents. Malosi got home in the Manton Stakes easily, the betting being 3 to 1 on the winner. Firelight annexed the Maiden Hurdles from Reunion. The latter started at even money, whilst 6 to 4 was laid on Firelight. The Kaimanawa Handicap fell to Makino, who was at evens. Nine others ran. The Flying saw Mahoe installed favourite at 2 to 1 on, Snip being at 2 to 1 against. The former had no trouble in winning. The mare Linseed, owned by Mr. Sam Woodill, has a very promising appearance at present, and the daughter of Linstock may be amongst the stake-winners shortly. The same owner’s two-year-old Phaedon has grown a lot lately, and the Wangaehu sportsman wisely intends to give the big son of Phaeton a spell until he is a three-year-old. If looks go for anything this youngester should make a name for himself.

Mr. George Morse has to declare the weights for the Wanganui. Cup and Flying on or before the 16th inst., and needless to say his adjustments will be awaited with great interest. Mr. Morse has given so much proof of his skill as a handicapper that he may be confidently anticipated to give little room for complaint. Fontenoy, who is engaged in the Cup, and for which event he has already been supported for a small amount, is doing good work on Mr. Moore’s private track. If Harry Jackson succeeds in getting the handsome son of Haut Brion to the post in tip-top form the colt should be hard to beat in whatever event he is started in. Helen Portland is also progressing favourably, and the same remarks apply to Sweet Simon, Signor, and Armistice.